When Trump’s revamp of his American Health Care Act (AHCA) was green lit by the House, Republicans who were anti-ACA found this to be a win. Despite the Senate feeling less than optimistic that it will succeed on the Senate floor, the House bill still made it past phase one—unlike its first attempt. However, while Republicans fight their own good fight to repeal and replace the ACA, are they still reaping its benefits? Absolutely.
Prior to ACA mandates, members of Congress received their healthcare via the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program, an initiative funded in large part by taxpayer dollars. Post-ACA mandates, Congressional members and their employees received their healthcare through the ACA’s Healthcare Exchange. While that may seem on the surface as a downgrade, the reality suggests otherwise.
The major discounts Congressional members and employees had previously received through their prior plan were replaced with special subsidies and small business benefits programs under the ACA. What this means is that because Congressional members were identified as “small businesses,” they could take advantage of an otherwise underutilized small business healthcare plan, thereby entitling them to 70% premium discounts through subsidies. Further, the resulting inexpensive coverage provided the ACA’s “Gold” level in quality. Taxpayers cover close to 75% of the costs of these Congressional members’ (and their staff’s) health insurance.
For lawmakers taking great advantage of the ACA, should they be seeking to take it away from the masses? These Republican Congressional members may be anti-ACA, yet their healthcare has remained pristine and affordable thanks to the ACA. If the ACA is repealed, will the replacement be equally beneficial for them?
